Father's Day 2021

I once had an amazing art teacher. Yes, she was an accomplished artist in her own right, but what made her amazing was how she responded to our artistic efforts. No matter what we created, she was able to see something in our art that was to be celebrated. If the perspective was off, she’d point to the wonderful use of color. If our values were screwy, she’d see something special in our composition. I didn’t know what the word “grace” meant at the time, but she helped me know how it felt.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my art teacher recently. Her innate way of finding something good is particularly helpful on Father’s Day (or Mother’s, or any other Hallmark Card invention). Today, we could look at the fathers we had, or the fathers we’ve been, and see only the mistakes and shortcoming, but, instead, we could be like my art teacher and look beyond to the things that are unique and worthy of celebration. Among the imperfections are special moments or characteristics that are to be remembered and treasured.

If we can focus on them, today becomes a day of grace, and that’s worthy of a holiday.